Harwich RNLI welcomes Lifeboat Operations Manager born ‘with sea in his blood'
Harwich RNLI has appointed a new Lifeboat Operations Manager, Peter Bull, who will be leading the station’s lifesaving volunteers just as the charity faces one of its busiest summers ever with millions of ‘staycationers’ heading to the coast.
Peter brings a wealth of experience to the position having been a members of the crew for 20 years including taking on the role of Deputy Launch Authority – one of the volunteers who is responsible for authorising the launch of the station’s Severn and Atlantic 85 lifeboats. Last year the station’s lifeboats launched 61 times and aided 46 people.
Peter takes over as Harwich’s Lifeboat Operations Manager on 1 June, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and understanding about the sea and the RNLI. Having moved to Harwich with his family in 1963 when his father became a Trinity House pilot, Peter went to Nautical college at 16, before starting a career at sea with Sealink. Then like his father, working for Trinity House. Peter himself says: ‘I was born with the sea in my blood.’
RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager, Graeme Richardson said: ‘It’s a great pleasure to welcome Peter to the role. His time spent as a member of the crew, and more recently as Deputy Launch Authority, along with his work at both Harwich Haven Authority and the Port of Felixstowe puts him in a very strong position, and I look forward to working with him closely in the role.’
First becoming involved with Harwich RNLI in 1984 as a Deputy Launch Authority (DLA), while he was working for the Harwich Haven Authority it wasn’t long before Peter joined the crew, eventually becoming a helm of the inshore lifeboat and a crew member of the all-weather lifeboat.
Not content with that, Peter was actively involved in fundraising for the charity, and feels bringing the cast of Eastenders to the Harwich and Parkstone Football club was his most memorable success. Others may disagree and point to his other passion - music. Being a DJ has seen Peter host his own radio show, perform for lifeboat fundraisers, and at local charity events including New Year’s Eve parties at the park pavilion for families to bring children to.
Neal Sandquest, full time coxswain at Harwich RNLI said: ‘I was pleased to welcome Peter back to the RNLI family in 2019 when he took on the role of DLA, which with his passion, commitment and excellent knowledge of the local waters has proved to be a big asset. These attributes will stand him in good stead to achieve his vision for the future of life saving at Harwich when he takes over as LOM.’
On becoming Harwich’s new Lifeboat Operations Manager, Peter had this to say:
‘During my tenure I look forward to carrying on the legacy and history of Harwich lifeboat station, one of the busiest stations in the country, working alongside other emergency agencies and stakeholders, while maintaining the family community and camaraderie with other stations Harwich RNLI enjoys. I also intend to promote the RNLI’s philosophy of providing a lifesaving service without prejudice, using volunteers wherever possible, while being funded solely by voluntary contributions.’
Anyone wishing to contribute to Peter’s vision for the future success of Harwich RNLI by volunteering, can contact Peter directly via email: [email protected]
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact:
Richard Wigley, RNLI Harwich volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07903424698 or [email protected],
Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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